Coli Septicemia
Coli septicemia is characterized by invasion of the blood stream by coliform bacteria and is primarily observed in neonates and immune-compromised animals. Affected animals show pronounced signs of systemic disease and tend to deteriorate rapidly. A presumptive diagnosis is made based on clinical signs in combination with hematologic and blood biochemical results. Blood cultures are considered a diagnostic gold standard, but they lack sensitivity, and results are not readily available. Therapy consists of immediate, thorough antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and fluid therapy.
Coli septicemia is caused by pathogenic strains of E coli that possess specific virulence factors that enable them to adhere to and penetrate mucosal surfaces, to effectively compete for iron in the extracellular space, to overcome the bactericidal plasma factors, and to produce bacteremia and septicemia. The single most important determinant of the disease is an immune-compromised host. Severe and debilitating prior disease or failure of transfer of passive immunity are common predisposing factors.
Coli septicemia is most commonly seen during the first weeks of life, with the highest incidence in animals 2–5 days old, but can incidentally also occur in older, immune-compromised individuals. E coli is the most common pathogen isolated in blood from septic patients in most species.